Mumbai, Apr 16 (PTI) The BJP and Shiv Sena on Thursday sought suspension of opposition leader Kishori Pednekar for his alleged “incorrect and reprehensible” comments on late Bal Thackeray during a Mumbai civic body meeting.
The proceedings of the general body of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation were disrupted a couple of times as BJP and Shiv Sena corporators apologized to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former mayor Pednedkar.
Speaking to reporters, Mayor Ritu Tawde of the BJP and Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena said the comments were “wrong and reprehensible”.
Show full article
“Have you bought Balasaheb (Thackeray)? These are very wrong, irresponsible and reprehensible comments,” Tawde said, adding that he had listened carefully to the statement, which was recorded.
Pednekar made the comments while speaking on a point of order raised by former mayor Vishakh Raut regarding the mayor’s honor during the discussion on the BMC budget for fiscal year 2026-27, Tawde added.
Leader of the House Ganesh Khankar of the BJP objected to the statement and demanded that Pednekar apologize for his comments on Bal Thackeray and sought his suspension under Rule 36A of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, Tawde said.
“If Pednekar does not apologize, she should be suspended. We will continue to push for this demand. What happened at the BMC was condemnable,” Ghadi said.
The treasury bench members also raised slogans demanding an apology from Pednekar, following which the mayor adjourned the House session for 10 minutes. However, when the proceedings resumed, Khankar reiterated the demand for suspension as Pednekar refused to apologize.
Tawde further said that Standing Committee Chairman Prabhakar Shinde later moved an adjournment motion protesting the comments.
He said the proceedings of the BMC general body will be telecast live from Friday.
Pednekar later clarified that his comments were misinterpreted and maintained that he had been referring to “thoughts” and not individuals, but refused to apologize.
The ruling parties are trying to divert attention, Pednedkar said. PTI KK BNM
This report is automatically generated from PTI news service. ThePrint assumes no responsibility for its content.